Peer Review Workshop Sheet for Argumentative Synthesis Assignment

Quick Checklist: Before turning in your final draft, make sure it has the following:

• An introduction that provides background information
• A thesis that states an opinion
• A paragraph or several sentences throughout the essay devoted to refuting counterarguments
• At least two reasons to convince readers to accept your thesis (for those using persuasive essay organizational strategy)
• A problems section and a solutions section (for those using problems/solutions strategy)
• Clear explanations of reasons or solutions
• At least two sources integrated into every body paragraph
• Smooth integration of sources into the paper
• Correct MLA documentation throughout essay
• Correct MLA works cited page – check handbook; check http://www.mla.org; check http://www.johnco.cc.ks.us/~jmcward/cited.htm
• Introduction paragraph and conclusion paragraph of approximately 6 sentences in length
• Body paragraphs 10 to 15 sentences in length
• Reliable sources from the textbook, periodicals or the World Wide Web
• At least three outside sources total – a minimum of two new ones
• A conclusion that does more than summarize the essay

Peer Review Readers: On the peer review response sheet be sure to give specific advice on how to improve the draft. Do not write comments such as "This looks great." Instead tell the writers if the thesis is opinionated, if the reasons are convincing, etc. Also write down some ideas that they still might want to include in the paper. Turn in the yellow copy of the peer review response sheet at the end of class.

Introduction

• Does the paragraph provide background information on the topic?
• Does the writer need to incorporate information from an outside source to provide more complete background information?
• Does the introduction end with an opinionated thesis? Does the writer stick to this thesis throughout the rest of the essay?

Body

• Does the writer refute arguments that are in opposition to his own thesis?
• Are the reasons for supporting the thesis clearly explained?
• Are the paragraphs sufficiently developed?
• Is the body well organized? If it is a problems/solutions paper, does the writer begin with the problem and then list the solutions in a good order? If it is a persuasive essay, does the writer build toward the strongest reason for accepting the thesis?

Conclusion

• Does the conclusion do more than summarize?
• Does the conclusion leave the reader with something to think about after he or she has finished the essay?

Sources

• Does the essay include at least three outside sources?
• Are the sources reliable?
• Does the writer integrate the sources into the essay smoothly?
• Does the writer clearly identify which information comes from what source?
• Do the sources simply support what the writer believes, or do they overtake his or her own ideas?
• Do all the direct quotations need to be direct quotations, or would some work just as well as paraphrases?

 Comp 2 Home Page